Centennial Invite turns 50

Half of the top 10 in the boys shot put comes from East County

The Centennial Invitational turns 50 years old this weekend with Saturdays showcase meet attracting some of the best prep track and field talent from across the state.

Eagles head coach Greg Letts has been a part of the meet for the past 43 years, starting out as a volunteer in the long jump pit before taking on head coaching duties in 1980.

Its a big undertaking, but our goal is to make it a positive experience for these kids to run in a big meet, Letts said. Its a premier event, a true high school showcase on a high school campus, that allows the best kids from all levels to compete against each other.

The event is a highlight of the season for former Centennial High distance-running standout Rob Collins, now the coach at San Lorenzo Valley in California.

I set a lot of personal bests at that meet  the Centennial Invite means a lot to me  its something special, Collins said. Greg Letts, I love that guy, and its a great chance to drop in and see old friends.

He is bringing one of the meets top competitors in Anna Maxwell, who has the nations fourth-best time in the 800-meter race this spring.

Were a month out from the state meet and its a good time to step up and see where you stand, Collins said.

Other highlights on the girls side, include North Valley twin sisters Karissa and Venessa DArpiro, who rank 1-2 in the state this season across the three sprint races.

You read about some of these kids from the smaller schools, but you never know how good they are until they have a chance to compete on a bigger stage. Thats what we offer, Letts said.

Barlow Highs Renick Meyer is the No. 1 qualifier in the shot put, while teammate Danelle Woodcock comes in No. 2 in the triple jump. Gresham Highs Leah Russell is seeded third in both hurdles races.

There have been a lot of outstanding performances by East County athletes over the years, Letts said. Every year, youre waiting to see whos going to steal the show by the end of the night.

The boys meet is highlighted by Central Catholics John Nizich, who has the nations best mark in the javelin (221-10). He will get a challenge from Newbergs Trevor Danielson who ranks No. 8 in the nation.

The 800 is expected to be the highlight event on the track with David Douglas junior Josh Kellebrew as the top qualifier, while Centennials Thomas Morrell III is the No. 5 seed, hitting the qualifying time for the premier heat last weekend.

He won the afternoon race last year.

Its a breakout meet for Thomas, and Im expecting it to be a very fast 800, Letts said.

Reynolds standout Ahmed Ibrahim is the No. 4 qualifier in the 3,000, while David Douglas junior Shakur Groos comes in at No. 4 in the 300 hurdles.

East County will also be strongly represented in the shot put with four throwers among the top-10 qualifiers, led by Centennials Chuckie Bessette with a best mark of 56-feet-2 1/4-inches.

The meet begins with field events and prelim races at 11 a.m., with the premier racing finals set for a 6 p.m. start. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students.